Percutaneous gastrostomy without gastropexy.

OBJECTIVES

To describe in detail the technique for percutaneous gastrostomy without gastropexy, to determine the overall success rate for this technique in providing access to the gastrointestinal tract for feeding and to determine if routine gastropexy is necessary.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The authors reviewed all cases of percutaneous gastrostomy performed over a 14-month period. In total, 24 patients (12 males and 12 females) underwent insertion of gastrostomy tubes in the radiology department during this period. Eighteen of the patients had ear, nose and throat tumours and the other 6 had feeding difficulties as a result of neurologic disorders. All gastrostomy tubes were inserted under fluoroscopic guidance without sedation or administration of glucagon. Gastric fixation was not employed.

RESULTS

All of the procedures were successful. No major complications occurred. One minor episode of chemical peritonitis did not require treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous gastrostomy, performed in the radiology department, is safe and effective. On the basis of these findings and a literature review, the authors suggest that routine gastric fixation is not required. However, gastropexy may be appropriate in some circumstances, and its role in these situations has still to be confirmed.